Prepare for Your Orientation Day
Welcome to the Wolverine Family! Orientation is your first step toward a successful college experience at UM-Dearborn.
For first-year students, Orientation Day is an interactive event where you will meet other new students, connect with faculty and staff, register for classes, get your ID card, ask questions and much more.
Incoming transfer students complete a 1-1 advising appointment for their orientation to UM-Dearborn.
Before You Arrive
Confirm Your Information
Log in to the Orientation Portal to review your major and make sure it’s correct. If you need to change your major, complete the Admission Information Change Form [PDF] and submit it to [email protected] before your scheduled session.
Need to reschedule? Follow the instructions in your orientation portal to choose a new session.
Review Your Admitted Students Checklist
An important step before arriving on campus for your Orientation is to ensure you’ve submitted or requested all required documents, including any earned college credit documents (such as dual enrollment transcripts or AP/IB test scores). You can review the checklist in your UM-Dearborn Portal or view the Next Steps for Admitted Students.
What to Expect on Orientation Day
Here’s a look at what to expect — and what to bring — to Orientation Day.
For Incoming First-Year Students
A typical Orientation agenda includes sessions and activities such as:
- Meet New Students: Connect with peers and learn from current students.
- UM-Dearborn 101 & Support Sessions: Discover academic resources, student life, and campus support services.
- Academic Advising & Course Registration: Register for your classes.
- Lunch: Enjoy a free meal!
- Wolverine Wrap-Up: Pick up your MCard (student ID) and ask any final questions.
What you should bring:
- Laptop (optional, but helpful for registration)
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport) to obtain your MCard
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Open mind and positive attitude
For Incoming Transfer Students
During your scheduled orientation appointment, you will meet 1-on-1 with your academic advisor to register for classes. Follow the instructions provided in your confirmation email to complete your appointment.
For Parents and Supporters (First-Year Students)
Parents and supporters are welcome to attend a dedicated session on their student’s Orientation Day. This session provides valuable insights into the UM-Dearborn community, key campus resources and essential information to help guide you and your student through this journey.
Guests are also invited to the Wolverine Wrap-Up, the final stop of Orientation. This is a great chance to mingle, enjoy interactive activities, ask final questions and celebrate the day while students pick up their MCards.
Please note: Guests are not permitted at other sessions during Orientation.
Additional Steps for Admitted Students
Orientation is just one part of preparing for your arrival on campus. There are additional important next steps you can complete between your acceptance and the start of the semester.
View Admitted Undergraduates Checklist
Find a Student Mentor
Ease into the campus experience by connecting with the Wolverine Mentor Collective. After Orientation, you’ll be paired with a current upper-level student who can:
- Help you navigate campus life
- Share advice on academics and student engagement
- Support your first year at UM-Dearborn